Drug abuse will be mitigated by creating awareness in society
Operationalized dependent variable: There are various definitions attributed to drug abuse based on the perspective from which the vice is viewed. Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse, can be defined as the sequence of injurious use of any drug or substance that alters the mood of an individual.
It can also be referred to the use of prohibited drugs or misuse of prescription. This refers to the misuse of drugs bought over the counter for objectives other than those that were intended or in a way or a quantity that exceeds the recommended levels (Abadinsky, 2011).
Operationalized independent variable: Society has been defined by sociologists as individuals who interact and share common cultural bonds. Such cultural bonds may be racial or ethnic, pegged on gender, or as a result of shared common values, activities, and beliefs.
A normal society is comprised of different generations of individuals that include children, the youths, and the adult generation. The youth age group encompasses individuals aged from 16 to 35 years. This will be the main focus of the study, as the young people are greatly affected when it comes to the drug abuse menace (Rossides, 1993).
Operationalized effect: The creation of public awareness is intended to educate the youths on the possible health and legal consequences that they face in light of using and abusing illicit drugs.
Creation of awareness is meant to help the young individuals in society to make informed choices before engaging in acts that may constitute drug abuse. As doctors explain, prevention is better than cure (Lowinson, 2005).
The operationalized hypothesis
In spite of the many intervention approaches employed in the fight against the drug abuse menace, the most effective approach has been observed to be the creation of awareness amongst the youths. In virtually all societies, the youths are the most affected by drug abuse.
This project is going to carry out a public awareness campaign with the aim of educating the young people on the hazards related to the vice of drug and substance abuse. This study intends to come up with programs through which the youths will be educated and counseled on the effects and risks involved in the use of illicit drugs.
The awareness campaign is going to target hospitals and rehabilitation centers that receive or deal with cases of drug abuse. The study is also going to target local educational institutions as they provide a platform through which the young people can be reached.
The study will include integration of drug abuse in the curriculum of the existing educational facilities subject to approval by the relevant educational authorities (Hanson, Venturelli & Fleckenstein, 2009).
This study intends to seek assistance from the local law enforcement agencies to shed light and educate the youths on the legal implications if charged with drug abuse. Such programs will help the youths to accustom themselves with knowledge about the effects of drug abuse and the health and legal consequences (Milkman & Wanberg, 2005).
References
Abadinsky, H. (2011). Drug use and abuse: A comprehensive introduction. Australia: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
Hanson, G., Venturelli, P. J., & Fleckenstein, A. E. (2009). Drugs and society. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
Lowinson, J. H. (2005). Substance abuse: A comprehensive textbook. Philadelphia, Penns: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Milkman, H. B., & Wanberg, K. W. (2005). Criminal conduct and substance abuse treatment for adolescents: The provider’s guide : pathways to self-discovery and change. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Sage Publications.
Rossides, D. W. (1993). American society: An introduction to macrosociology. Dix Hills, N.Y: General Hall.